54. The Mother of the Minister of State: Gidō-sanshi no Haha

Wasureji no Yukusue made wa Katakereba Kyō wo kagiri no Inochi tomo gana. HOW difficult it is for men Not to forget the past! I fear my husband's love for me Is disappearing fast; This day must be my last. The real name of this lady was Taka, and her son's name was Korechika Fujiwara. She lived about A.D. 1004, and it is supposed that this verse was written in a fit of jealousy against her husband; she is shown in the picture all alone at home bewailing her lot.